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QMI Agency

To some, Super Bowl Sunday and chicken wings go together like apples and pie. But this year, fans of the tasty appetizer may have to reach for the veggies-and-dip instead.

That's because according to the National Chicken Council of America, there were fewer chickens in 2012 to meet the demands of consumers resulting in a slight chicken shortage.

Representatives say as corn and animal feed prices soared to record highs amid a severe summer drought and ethanol fuel production regulation, chicken production suffered. Super Bowl wing consumption is expected to be down about one percent or 12.3 million wings, compared to last year’s numbers.

The council says Americans eat 1.23 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl Weekend, the largest amount consumed all year, not counting the amount of wings Canadian football lovers snack on during the game.

“With the rising number of restaurants with menus dedicated to wings, the return of the NHL hockey season, the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament and then the start of grilling season, wing demand should remain hot,” said Bill Roenigk, chief economist and market analyst at the Washington, D.C.-based National Chicken Council.

However, not to fear. You will still be able to get your hands on some chicken wings in the near future.

Roenigk says that while restaurants will be prepared for the big day, grocery stores may not be so stocked. Shop in advance to ensure you get your hands on some tasty chicken wings.

According to a release from the NCC, the wholesale price of wings "will be the most expensive ever during Super Bowl XLVII" due to rising demand and the shrinking supply. They say wings are currently the highest priced part of the chicken.

With a few packs of chicken wings in hand, here’s some recipes you can use to impress your friends and taste buds on the big day:

ROBERT RAINFORD'S DARK ALE PINEAPPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN WINGS

Food Network star, cookbook author and a man who knows the secrets of a grill Robert Rainford offers these winning wings for Super Bowl Sunday

Marinade:

Ingredients:

Peel of 1/2 orange and lime, pith removed

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 knob ginger, grated

1/2 white onion, halved and sliced

1/2 bottle (180ml) dark ale beer

6 Tbsp. (90mL) olive oil

1 Tbsp. (15ml) hot sauce

2 lb. (907g) chicken wings

Dark Ale Pineapple Glaze:

1/2 bottle (180ml) dark ale beer

3/4 cups (175ml) orange juice

2 cups (500ml) pineapple juice

1/4 cup (50ml) maple syrup

2 Ttbsp. (30ml) hot sauce

1 Tbsp. (15ml) ginger, chopped

2 Tbsp (30ml) lemon juice

Kosher salt, to taste

2 Tbsp. (30ml) garlic puree

Marinade: Combine orange slices, lime slices, garlic, ginger, onion, cilantro, dark ale beer, vegetable oil and hot sauce in large bowl. Place chicken wings in a large sealable plastic bag, pour marinade over top and marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.